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Disparities in guideline-adherent cardiovascular preventive care for people with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines offer guidance on delaying the progression of cardiovascular disease in people living with diabetes. We sought to determine whether guideline-recommended cardiovascular preventive care for people living with diabetes differs according to sociodemographic indicators, globally. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of studies that compared the sociodemographic characteristics of people diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes who received cardiovascular preventive care as recommended by guidelines to those who did not. Sociodemographic predictors were defined by PROGRESS+ (an equity framework). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and APA PsychInfo from 2010 to January 21, 2026. Studies were screened independently by two people. One person assessed the risk of bias and extracted data, and another verified. We pooled results using a random-effects model and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were included. Meta-analyses showed female, Black, and Hispanic individuals had slightly lower odds of receiving guideline-recommended prescriptions for lipid-lowering medication compared to Male, and White individuals, respectively (OR:0.89, 95%CI:0.79,1.00, moderate certainty; OR:0.78, 95%CI:0.74,0.81, high certainty; OR:0.86, 95%CI:0.59,1.26, low certainty). Individuals aged 18-45 years had moderately lower odds (OR:0.33, 95%CI:0.19,0.57, moderate certainty), no observed association for Asian individuals. Asian individuals had moderately lower odds of antihypertensive medication prescription (OR:0.42, 95%CI:0.38,0.46, high certainty). Evidence suggests likely no association between HbA1c testing and sex/gender or between sex/gender and lipid panel testing. CONCLUSIONS: Some disparities in guideline-recommended cardiovascular preventive care among people living with diabetes were found. These results are consistent with previous reviews and highlight the need to ensure guidelines consider equity and with improved dissemination.

Humans

MRI-Negative Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Comparison of Hypertensive Encephalopathy With and Without Vasogenic Edema.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can present with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by comparing clinical features between cases of PRES with vasogenic edema and cases of hypertensive encephalopathy without MRI changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with hypertensive encephalopathy from August 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017, were identified retrospectively and matched by age (±5 years) and sex in a 1:2 ratio to patients retrospectively identified as having PRES from January 1, 2002, to November 30, 2017. A review of MRI images and clinical information was performed. RESULTS: We identified 16 cases of hypertensive encephalopathy and 32 age- and sex-matched controls with PRES showing vasogenic edema on MRI. There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of presentation with headache (odds ratio [OR], 1.372; 95% CI, 0.458 to 4.106), encephalopathy (OR, 2.303; 95% CI, 0.433 to 12.236), visual disturbance (OR, 0.826; 95% CI, 0.185 to 3.697), or focal neurologic deficit (OR, 4.000; 95% CI, 0.767 to 20.872). Seizures were more common in patients with vasogenic edema (OR, 0.082; 95% CI, 0.010 to 0.664). There were no significant differences in odds of acute kidney injury (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 0.679 to 12.449) or odds of having a history of malignancy (OR, 0.295; 95% CI, 0.076 to 1.152), transplantation (OR, 3.347; 95% CI, 0.594 to 18.880), or autoimmune disease (OR, 0.400; 95% CI, 0.104 to 1.532). Systolic blood pressure at presentation was higher in patients with hypertensive encephalopathy and negative MRI as compared with patients with PRES and vasogenic edema (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05). CONCLUSION: Most presenting symptoms and risk factors were not significantly different between cases of hypertensive encephalopathy with and without vasogenic edema, arguing that the diagnosis of PRES in the setting of acute severe hypertension may not depend on MRI confirmation.

Humans

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of HSD3B and SDR42E1 genes in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas): potential associations with gonadal development.

Sex steroids are lipid-soluble signaling molecules that regulate sex differentiation, reproductive development and physiological homeostasis in animals. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 isomerase (3β-HSD) is a key steroidogenic enzyme, whereas SDR42E1, an extended short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase, has been implicated in sterol- and steroid-related metabolism. However, the composition, evolutionary relationships and expression patterns of the HSD3B- and SDR42E1-related genes in bivalve gonadal development remain poorly characterized. In this study, five PF01073-containing genes, comprising three CgHsd3b and two CgSdr42e1 genes, were identified in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Phylogenetic analysis separated the proteins into HSD3B-related and SDR42E1-related groups, and gene-structure and motif analyses indicated subfamily-level divergence. All five proteins retained the SDR domain but differed in exon-intron structure and motif composition. Each contained the extended-SDR TGxxGxxG motif, whereas exact classical [ST]GxxxGxG and NNAG motifs were absent. Tyr- and Lys-equivalent residues were conserved, while the HSD3B1 Ser-equivalent position contained Thr in two C. gigas proteins and Ser in one. These features support their classification as extended-SDR proteins but do not establish enzymatic activity or substrate specificity. The three CgHsd3b genes were dispersed on one chromosome, whereas CgSdr42e1-1 and CgSdr42e1-2 were adjacent on another chromosome, suggesting a possible local duplication event for the CgSdr42e1 pair. Public RNA-seq data showed distinct tissue- and gonadal-stage expression patterns, with several genes displaying gonad-biased or female-stage-associated expression. Independent RT-qPCR profiling of the representative genes CgHsd3b-3 and CgSdr42e1-1 detected stage-dependent expression, although tissue rankings differed from those in the public RNA-seq datasets. These differences may reflect the use of independent biological samples, tissue composition, normalization procedures, and platform-specific measurements. Because enzymatic assays, metabolite measurements, cellular localization, and functional perturbation were not performed, the results identify candidate genes whose expression is associated with gonadal development rather than demonstrating regulatory roles. This study provides a comparative framework for future functional investigation of sterol- and steroid-related metabolism in bivalves.

Animals

Non-genetic Risk Factors for Allopurinol-Induced Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction (SCAR): A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Allopurinol-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are rare but potentially life threatening, particularly in Asian populations. While the genetic marker HLA-B*58:01 is a well-established risk factor, non-genetic factors may also contribute. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on associations between non-genetic risk factors and allopurinol-induced SCAR. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science from inception to 29 June 2026 for observational studies examining non-genetic risk factors for SCAR, defined as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Acute Generalised Exanthematous Pustulosis, or Hypersensitivity Syndrome/Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. Adults aged ≥ 18 years were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model; heterogeneity was assessed with I2. Mean differences were calculated for continuous variables. NIH Study Quality Assessment Tool was used for quality assessment of the studies. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included. Female sex (20 studies; 3340 SCAR cases, 562,647 controls) was associated with an increased risk of allopurinol-induced SCAR (OR 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-3.38). Chronic kidney disease (16 studies; 1625 SCAR cases, 553,804 controls) was also significantly associated with SCAR (OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.99-7.17). Five studies (177 SCAR cases, 1368 controls) reported higher allopurinol doses among SCAR cases than tolerant controls (mean difference 19.61 mg; 95% CI 2.97-36.24). No significant associations were observed for age or concomitant diuretic use in the primary meta-analyses. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated consistent findings for most factors, although concomitant diuretic use became significantly associated with SCAR after exclusion of non-Asian and zero-event studies. CONCLUSION: CKD, female sex, and higher allopurinol dose were identified as significant non-genetic risk factors for allopurinol-induced SCAR. These findings support consideration of non-genetic factors alongside pharmacogenomic screening in future risk-stratification strategies. However, substantial heterogeneity and potential publication bias limit the certainty of the available evidence. Well-designed studies evaluating non-genetic predictors as primary outcomes are needed to develop robust integrated risk prediction models for clinical decision making.

Journal Article

Occlusion site and outcomes in intra-arterial tenecteplase after successful endovascular therapy: a secondary analysis of the ANGEL-TNK trial.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular thrombectomy achieves macroreperfusion in large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke, but only one-quarter of patients had excellent functional outcome. Adjunct intra-arterial (IA) tenecteplase could further improve the treatment effect, yet its efficacy across internal carotid artery (ICA) versus middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1/M2 occlusion remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether IA tenecteplase improves 90-day functional outcomes in LVO patients stratified by occlusion site (ICA, MCA M1, MCA M2). METHODS: Prespecified secondary analysis of the ANGEL-TNK trial (multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint) in 19 Chinese stroke centers. Participants were enrolled who had anterior circulation LVO, 4.5-24&#x2009;hours from symptom onset, and CT angiography (CTA)/magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)-proven ICA, M1, or M2 occlusion. INTERVENTION: Randomization (1:1) to IA tenecteplase (0.125&#x2009;mg/kg) or standard medical management after expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) 2b50-3 reperfusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was the rate of 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-1. RESULTS: There were 256 patients in the trial, including 71 (27.7%) ICA, 122 (47.6%) MCA M1, and 62 (24.2%) MCA M2. ICA occlusion patients treated with IA tenecteplase had higher rates of 90-day mRS 0-1 (39.4% vs 13.2%; relative risk (RR) 2.99; 95%&#x2009;CI 1.51 to 5.96; p=0.002) and mRS 0-3 (54.5% vs 42.1%; RR 1.30; p=0.048) versus controls, with a significant shift toward better mRS scores (median 3 (IQR 1-4) vs 4 (2-6); odds ratio (OR) 2.26; p<0.001). Post hoc analysis showed higher eTICI progression in ICA patients (51.5%) versus MCA M1 (37.9%) and M2 (25.7%). IA tenecteplase had a lower any intracranial hemorrhage within 48 hours in ICA patients (15.2% vs 39.5%; RR 0.38; p<0.001) compared with standard medical management. No significant benefits were observed in the MCA M1/M2 subgroups, and interaction effects were significant between ICA and MCA segments for functional outcomes and safety. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: IA tenecteplase had a better functional outcome and lower hemorrhage risk in ICA occlusion compared with standard medical management but not in MCA M1/M2. Occlusion site is a critical determinant of response to IA tenecteplase. A pooled analysis of IA tenecteplase stratified by occlusion site strata is warranted.

Humans

Bioepidemiology of cardiac amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac amyloidosis, primarily due to immunoglobulin light chain (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR) amyloid, is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure. Modern diagnostic advances suggest that ATTR, particularly in older adults, may be more prevalent than historically reported. METHODS: All Olmsted County decedents aged &#x2265;40 years from 1970 to 1976 were identified. Available ventricular myocardium from retained paraffin blocks was screened histologically for amyloid using sulfated Alcian blue staining; positive cases underwent grading and proteomic typing by laser microdissection coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Beyond prevalence estimation, this analysis characterizes amyloid type, deposition grade and distribution, associated comorbidities, and cause-of-death patterns, comparing amyloid-positive decedents with age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS: Of 2,566 eligible deaths, 1,028 autopsy cases with evaluable myocardium formed the study cohort (mean age 70.5 years; 61.1% male; 97% White). Cardiac amyloid was present in 52 cases giving an overall prevalence of 5.1% (95% CI: 3.8-6.6, which rose from 0% under age 60 to 37.5% (95% CI: 21.1-56.3) in those &#x2265;90 years (p < 0.001). While prevalence estimates were higher in men above age 80 compared to women, there was no evidence of an interaction of age and sex (p = 0.90). The quantity of amyloid was sufficient for typing in 38 cases: ATTR (84.2%), AL (7.9%), serum amyloid A (5.3%), and apolipoprotein A-IV (2.6%). Adjusted estimates assuming untyped mild cases were ATTR-type increased ATTR prevalence to 4.5% (95% CI: 3.3-5.9) overall. Comorbidity profiles were similar between amyloid-positive and negative groups, though syncope and leg weakness were more common in amyloid-positive decedents. CONCLUSIONS: In an unselected autopsy cohort, cardiac amyloid was common, particularly ATTR in older adults. Prevalence increased steeply after age 80. These findings suggest that ATTR amyloidosis is not rare and is likely underdiagnosed and has similar prevalence in women and men, despite the male predominance reported in the literature.

Humans

Prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms according to comorbidities, risk factors, country, and time period: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage declined between 1980 and 2010, which coincided with a decline in smoking and prevalence of hypertension. We aimed to investigate whether the decrease in subarachnoid haemorrhage incidence is paralleled by declines in unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) prevalence. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles published in any language from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2025, and reassessed 68 articles published before March 1, 2011 from a 2011 systematic review and meta-analysis. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they used a cross-sectional or case-control design and provided the crude number of participants and those with UIA. We only included studies reporting numbers of UIA separately from ruptured aneurysms and with ten or more patients. Summary data were independently extracted by JD with AZ or CB and conflicts were resolved by GJER. The primary outcome was proportion of participants with UIA. Relative to a hypothetical reference population (mean age 50 years, 50% women, and no comorbidities), age and/or sex-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for regions, comorbidities, and risk ratios (RRs) for female sex, smoking, and hypertension were estimated using generalised linear mixed models. A time trend analysis was done by binomial meta regression using the mid-year of data acquisition. We assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. The study was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD420261296728. FINDINGS: Our search screened 4708 studies. 67 reassessed and 95 newly identified articles, reporting on 316&#x2008;131 participants and 11&#x2008;822 people with UIAs, were included in our meta-analysis. In the reference population, the estimated prevalence of UIAs was 3&#xb7;9% (95% CI 3&#xb7;0-5&#xb7;1). The prevalence of UIAs in individuals with atherosclerosis was 5&#xb7;5% (4&#xb7;7-6&#xb7;4; 2229 of 40970 participants) and the adjusted PR was 1&#xb7;3 (95% CI 0&#xb7;8-2&#xb7;0) compared with the reference population. For positive family history of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) or UIA, the UIA prevalence was 7&#xb7;9% (5&#xb7;6-11&#xb7;1; 412 of 4252 participants) and the adjusted PR was 2&#xb7;4 (0&#xb7;5-11&#xb7;2). For connective-tissue disorder, the UIA prevalence was 10&#xb7;3% (6&#xb7;5-16&#xb7;0; 94 of 879 participants) and the adjusted PR was 3&#xb7;9 (2&#xb7;0-7&#xb7;6). For autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the UIA prevalence was 12&#xb7;8% (9&#xb7;2-17&#xb7;6; 293 of 1990 participants) and the adjusted PR was 4&#xb7;4 (1&#xb7;5-12&#xb7;6). RRs were for current smoking 1&#xb7;4 (1&#xb7;2-1&#xb7;6; 798 of 27911 participants), for having hypertension 1&#xb7;6 (1&#xb7;5-1&#xb7;7, 4043 of 83053 participants), and for female sex 1&#xb7;9 (1&#xb7;8-2&#xb7;0; 3415 of 65020 women and 2122 of 76130 men). In studies on healthy individuals with MR angiography or CT angiography as imaging modality, the prevalence in 2016-2022 was 6&#xb7;6% (6&#xb7;3-6&#xb7;8; 2904 of 41191 participants). The adjusted PR was 1&#xb7;8 (1&#xb7;1-2&#xb7;8) for 2016-2022 versus 2002-2015. Prevalence of UIAs of 5 mm or larger was 0&#xb7;7% (0&#xb7;6-0&#xb7;8) in 2002-2015 and 1&#xb7;4% (1&#xb7;0-1&#xb7;9) in 2016-2022. The UIA prevalence did not differ between countries. &#x3c4;2 showed significant heterogeneity between studies. The certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate. INTERPRETATION: Prevalence of UIA is increasing, particularly over the past two decades. This increase is only in part explained by improved detection of small UIAs and an ageing population, and other factors-such as environmental-are likely involved. Alongside patients with ADPKD and a positive family history of aSAH, patients with connective-tissue disorders had a higher prevalence of UIA than the reference population. Our findings warrant further investigation into the potential benefit of personalised screening and management strategies in groups at high risk for having UIAs. FUNDING: None.

Humans

Adolescent health across Asia Pacific, 2000-23: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.

BACKGROUND: The Asia Pacific region is home to more than half of the world's 1&#xb7;93 billion adolescents (aged 10-24 years). Addressing adolescent health in this region is of global importance, but to date a systematic analysis of key contributors to disease in adolescents has not been done, which is a barrier to responsive action. This systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of adolescent health across the Asia Pacific region, at both the subregional and national levels, encompassing burden of disease, mortality, and prevalence of adolescent risk factors. METHODS: As part of GBD 2023, we obtained estimates for cause-specific mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and risk factor prevalence by sex for adolescents aged 10-24 years and 5-year age groups (10-14 years, 15-19 years, and 20-24 years) across 44 countries and territories (hereafter referred to collectively as Asia Pacific), grouped by seven UN subregions, from 2000 to 2023. We extracted GBD 2023 population counts and estimates of number and rate (per 100&#x2008;000 population) for mortality and disease burden (DALYs). Risk prevalence estimates were obtained directly from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and binge drinking estimates were sourced from WHO. Estimates are reported with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) where possible. UIs were estimated by running 250 draws of the posterior distribution, ordering the draws, and selecting the 2&#xb7;5th and 97&#xb7;5th percentiles for each metric. FINDINGS: In 2023, in adolescents across Asia Pacific, there were 637&#x2008;496 deaths and a total disease burden of 115&#xb7;8 million DALYs, representing 34&#xb7;1% of global adolescent deaths and 40&#xb7;6% of the global adolescent burden of disease. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs; particularly mental disorders) were the leading causes of disease burden and mortality (64&#xb7;8% of DALYs and 43&#xb7;9% of deaths). Unintentional and transport injuries were also leading causes of death (14&#xb7;7% of deaths due to transport injury and 13&#xb7;3% of deaths due to unintentional injury) and leading causes of disease burden particularly among males in south-eastern Asia. In Melanesia, Micronesia, and some parts of south-eastern Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste), respiratory infections and tuberculosis remained important contributors. Southern Asia had the largest reduction (1&#xb7;5% per year) in all-cause DALYs over the study period, and Australia and New Zealand (0&#xb7;2% per year) had the smallest, with females in Australia and New Zealand showing a slight increase contrary to regional trends. Eastern Asia had the largest reduction (2&#xb7;8% per year) in all-cause mortality rate and Melanesia (0&#xb7;8% per year) the smallest. Risk factors generally had between-subregion and within-subregion variation; however, some regional trends stood out, with overweight and obesity increasing in all countries across the region, and binge drinking increasing in more countries than not. In 2023, prevalence of smoking in males exceeded that in females in every country, from 40% difference in Timor-Leste to less than 1% difference in Australia. Anaemia prevalence is decreasing in all countries, but female prevalence was higher and reducing at a slower rate than in males. Bullying prevalence was slightly higher in Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia combined, Australia and New Zealand, and eastern Asia compared with southern and south-eastern Asian subregions. INTERPRETATION: Several patterns were consistent across the region: the dominance of mental disorders and NCDs, the universal rise in overweight and obesity (particularly high in Oceanic countries but increasing rapidly in south and south-eastern Asia), and persistent sex-specific challenges across subregions: unintentional injuries and smoking in males, and anaemia in females. Actions to tackle shared risk factors (while accounting for context-specific local health profiles, workforce deficits, cultural factors, and health system capacity) should not be forgone due to local variation. Future research could focus on subnational variation, intersecting inequalities, and multi-sectoral interventions targeting shared risk factors. Priority actions should include regional investment in adolescent mental health services and obesity prevention, targeted injury reduction strategies for high-risk populations, and sex-specific approaches to smoking cessation and anaemia reduction, delivered through local health systems with the capacity and cultural responsiveness to meet local needs. FUNDING: Gates Foundation and Australian Government.

Humans

No association between alcohol consumption and hip osteoarthritis: a diverse national analysis of 87,585 adults from the "All of Us" research program.

INTRODUCTION: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is estimated to affect 62.6 million individuals by 2050. A probable link exists between alcohol use and hip OA. However, the results are inconsistent, and the relationship between alcohol and hip OA remains speculative. To address these gaps, this study aimed to utilize the diverse, nationally representative All of Us Research Program dataset to explore the association between alcohol consumption and hip OA. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study utilized data from the All of Us Research Program Controlled Tier Dataset v8. 17,517 hip OA cases and 70,068 controls were identified. A 1:4 case-to-control matching ratio was applied based on age and sex. Alcohol use frequency was categorized into five levels: Never, Monthly or Less, Two to Four Times per Month, Two to Three Times per Week, and Four or More Times per Week. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association between alcohol use frequency and hip OA after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis found that alcohol use frequency was not significantly associated with hip OA. Compared to never users, participants with low (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93-1.04, P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.583), moderate (OR 0.99-1.01, all P&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05), and high (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95-1.09, P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.599) levels of alcohol consumption had no statistically significant differences in odds of hip OA. Female sex, Asian race, diabetes,&#xa0;hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and nicotine dependence increased the odds of hip OA. CONCLUSION: Any level of alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with the odds of hip OA. This study adds valuable insight to the current body of conflicting evidence. Further prospective studies appear warranted to shed light on the long-term effects of different alcoholic beverages on different joints. Key Points &#x2022; This study found no significant association between any degree of alcohol consumption and the odds of developing hip osteoarthritis. &#x2022; Utilizing data from 87,585 adults in the NIH "All of Us" Research Program, this is the first study to analyze this relationship in a large, nationally representative population. &#x2022; The research provides clarity to previously conflicting literature by demonstrating that alcohol lacks a clear harmful or protective effect on the clinical course of the disease. &#x2022; The analysis highlights that independent risk factors such as Asian race, nicotine dependence, and components of metabolic syndrome increase the odds of hip osteoarthritis.

Humans

Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RIPK1 inhibitor, SAR443820, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (HIMALAYA): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: RIPK1, a protein regulating inflammatory signalling and cell death, is implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathophysiology. SAR443820 is a selective, oral, CNS-penetrant, reversible RIPK1 inhibitor. We aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SAR443820 in participants with ALS. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial was conducted at 63 clinical sites in 13 countries (Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the USA). Adults (aged 18-80 years) with a diagnosis of possible ALS, clinically probable ALS, clinically probable laboratory-supported ALS, or clinically definite ALS, in accordance with the revised El Escorial World Federation of Neurology criteria, were randomly assigned (2:1) by use of a stratified block design (blocks of three) to receive either 20 mg SAR443820 orally twice per day or matching placebo in the 24-week double-blind period. Randomisation was done centrally using interactive response technology and stratified by geographical region of trial site, region of ALS onset, use of riluzole, use of edaravone, and use of the combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol. Participants, care providers, investigators, and outcomes assessors were masked to trial intervention. The primary outcome was a change in ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) total score from baseline to week 24 and was calculated for all participants who had an ALSFRS-R total score available at baseline and at week 24. Safety analyses included all randomly assigned participants receiving one dose or more of trial intervention. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05237284) and was terminated early. FINDINGS: Between April 13, 2022, and July 17, 2023, 397 participants were screened and 305 randomly assigned to SAR443820 (n=203) or placebo (n=102); six were excluded from the primary analysis due to missing baseline ALSFRS-R values. Mean age was 56&#xb7;9 years (SD 11&#xb7;5); 183 (60%) participants were male and 122 (40%) were female. Least squares mean change in ALSFRS-R from baseline to week 24 was -6&#xb7;73 (95% CI -7&#xb7;48 to -5&#xb7;98) for SAR443820 group (n=169) and -6&#xb7;32 (-7&#xb7;36 to -5&#xb7;27) for placebo group (n=87). There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups (least squares mean difference -0&#xb7;41 [95% CI -1&#xb7;71 to 0&#xb7;88]). Participants in the SAR443820 group had higher incidence of adverse events (171 [85%] of 202 vs placebo 80 [78%] of 102) and treatment discontinuations (28 [14%] of 202 vs placebo five [5%] of 102), with elevated hepatic enzymes being the most common cause. Nine deaths occurred in the double-blind period (seven [3%] of 202 in the SAR443820 group and two [2%] of 102 in the placebo group); none was attributed to SAR443820. INTERPRETATION: SAR443820 did not show clinical benefit and was associated with higher hepatic enzyme increase, indicating that further clinical development of SAR443820 in ALS is not warranted. FUNDING: Sanofi.

Humans

Machine learning-ready genomic biomarkers: ATF3 polymorphisms predict postoperative analgesic demand through AI-compatible phenotyping.

PURPOSE: To determine whether ATF3 polymorphisms can serve as genetic biomarkers for machine learning-based precision analgesia by establishing a genotype-phenotype association suitable for predictive modeling of postoperative opioid requirements. METHODS: In a prospective cohort of 167 adults undergoing abdominal surgery, ATF3 SNPs rs3122721 and rs3125293 were genotyped. A structured dataset architecture was developed to represent genetic profiles as input features for supervised learning models, enabling translational analysis of genotype&#x2011;dependent opioid consumption over 72&#xa0;h. RESULTS: Patients with homozygous genotypes of the ATF3 SNPs had significantly higher opioid requirements than non&#x2011;carriers, despite reporting similar subjective pain scores. This consistent genotype&#x2011;dependent pattern provided a clinically relevant phenotype suitable for integration into predictive algorithms. CONCLUSION: ATF3 genotyping offers a promising biomarker for computationally informed precision analgesia. By linking genomic variability to clinically meaningful outcomes within a structured clinical and genomic framework, this approach supports the future development of risk-stratified clinical decision-support systems to optimize postoperative pain management.Trial registration ChiCTR1900021991, registered 30 April 2019. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13755-026-00480-9.

ATF3

From population to individual: advocating personalised digital tools for heat-health early warning in a changing climate.

Escalating heat extremes under climate change are imposing substantial health burdens, with 2023 and 2024 consecutively breaking global temperature records. Mounting evidence suggests that heatwaves elevate the risks of hospitalisation and mortality across multiple disease categories, including ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute kidney injury. Nonetheless, most existing heat-health warning systems remain primarily reliant on population-level predictions, and considering individual differences and disease-specific considerations when defining warning levels would benefit the effectiveness of early prevention for high-risk groups. In this Viewpoint, which is based on the framework of precision public health-delivering the right intervention to the right population at the right time-we propose a framework for personalised digital heat-health early warning tools comprising three dimensions: individualised, risk-stratified prediction models that generate tiered early warnings; personalised health prompts coupled with theory-informed behavioural interventions; and adaptive, equity-oriented alert delivery mechanisms tailored to diverse populations. Such tools have the potential to bridge precision disease prevention and climate adaptation, thereby helping to mitigate heat exposure risks and disease burdens, particularly among high-risk populations. Future implementation research will be essential to address substantial challenges related to feasibility, validation, and equity.

Journal Article

Distal versus proximal radial access for diagnostic cerebral angiography: comparative outcomes and learning curve analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Distal transradial access (dTRA) is an alternative to proximal transradial access (pTRA) for neuroangiography, but comparative real-world data and evidence on its early learning curve remain limited. We compared procedural performance and access-site complications between dTRA and pTRA and evaluated the early learning curve of dTRA. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 470 diagnostic cerebral angiography procedures, representing 421 unique patients, performed via radial access at a single center between January 2025 and February 2026, including 237 dTRA and 233 pTRA procedures. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI) category, aortic arch type, and antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, procedural performance, and clinically assessed access-site events were compared between groups. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was assessed by postoperative bedside pulse examination and confirmed with Doppler ultrasound when clinical findings were uncertain. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of RAO, persistent bleeding or repeated compression, hand edema, and a composite access-site event endpoint. Because repeated procedures occurred in a subset of patients and event counts were limited, first-procedure sensitivity analysis and analyses of infrequent outcomes were interpreted cautiously. The dTRA learning process was assessed in the first 100 dTRA cases performed by a single operator using multivariable regression, cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, segmented trend analysis, and phase-based comparisons. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups, including age, male sex, BMI category, aortic arch type, and antiplatelet/anticoagulant use. Compared with pTRA, dTRA was associated with more puncture attempts (3.0 [2.0-4.0] vs 2.0 [1.0-3.0], P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), longer puncture time (2.0 [1.0-5.0] vs 2.0 [1.0-3.0] min, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.003), lower first-pass success (19.4% vs 35.2%, P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001), and a higher crossover rate (11.4% vs 6.0%, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.037). However, dTRA was associated with a lower clinically assessed RAO rate (2.5% vs 7.7%, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.011). On multivariable analysis, pTRA was independently associated with higher odds of RAO (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.26-8.49, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.015) and the composite access-site event endpoint (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.55-6.28, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001). Similar findings were observed in a sensitivity analysis restricted to the first procedure per patient. In the first 100 dTRA cases, cumulative dTRA experience was independently associated with shorter total procedure time (beta&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.074&#xa0;min/case, P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.009), while CUSUM and moving-average analyses suggested that the major learning effect occurred within approximately the first 10-15 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective single-operator cohort, dTRA was associated with lower clinically assessed RAO than pTRA despite greater access difficulty. The early learning effect was mainly reflected in shorter total procedure time. These findings support the feasibility of dTRA but should be interpreted cautiously given the study's observational design and limited anatomical data.

Humans

Comparative genomic and proteomic analysis reveals orthogroup structured evolution of tick protease inhibitors.

Protease inhibitors (PIs) play central roles in regulating endogenous proteolysis and host-parasite interactions in ticks. However, the evolutionary architecture underlying their diversification across tick lineages remains insufficiently resolved. Here, we performed a genome-wide comparative analysis of predicted proteomes from 14 tick species to systematically characterize PI repertoires. In total, 4931 putative PIs were identified and grouped into 20 families using the MEROPS classification system. Further, PI families such as Antistasin, WAP-type, and Pacifastin, which have not previously been systematically reported in tick genomes, were classified. Orthogroup inference demonstrated that PI expansion is structured at the level of evolutionary lineages rather than uniformly across families. By stratifying orthogroups according to duplication burden and taxonomic conservation, we identified a broadly conserved single-copy core under strong purifying selection. Motif level analysis of serpin reactive center loops further revealed conservation of inhibitory specificity within single copy orthogroups and diversification of key functional residues in duplication-associated lineages. Integration of secretion prediction and tissue-resolved proteomics from Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus microplus demonstrated that evolutionary stratification is reflected at the protein level. Together, these findings provide an orthogroup-resolved evolutionary framework linking duplication dynamics, molecular evolution, and tissue-level protein deployment. This integrative approach offers a systematic basis for prioritizing conserved and diversified PI lineages for future functional and anti-tick intervention studies.

Animals

Unveiling the power of TIIC: A prognostic tool for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remains a lethal malignancy with limited prognostic tools for guiding immunotherapy. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) play a critical role in EAC prognosis and treatment response. METHODS: We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk transcriptome data from TCGA and GEO databases. TIIC-specific RNAs were identified via tissue specificity index calculation combined with machine learning feature selection. Twenty machine learning algorithms were benchmarked to construct an optimal TIIC signature score (TIIC-Score) based on the comprehensive C-index. Immunotherapy response, genomic mutation, and copy number variation were analyzed. Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) were performed to explore genetic associations. Core prognostic TIIC-related genes were functionally validated in esophageal cancer cell lines through loss-of-function assays. RESULTS: The TIIC-Score demonstrated robust prognostic value for 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival across multiple cohorts, outperforming 22 published models. High TIIC-Score was associated with poor survival and increased chromosomal instability. Mutation profiling revealed high frequencies of TP53 (78.2%), TTN (48.7%), and SYNE1 (30.8%). MR analysis identified a significant association between gastro-oesophageal reflux and EAC risk at SNP rs8130507. Functionally, CCNI was upregulated in esophageal cancer cells, and its knockdown suppressed malignant phenotypes while promoting apoptosis, supporting its pro-tumorigenic role. CONCLUSION: The TIIC-Score provides a novel prognostic framework for EAC that effectively stratifies patient risk and may help identify individuals most likely to benefit from immunotherapy.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma

List randomization for prevalence estimation of sensitive behavioral data among women with HIV of reproductive age in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Self-reported data are subject to reporting biases, including social desirability bias. List randomization is one method that can help mitigate the impact of such biases. Here, we examined the utility of list randomization among women of reproductive age living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. In the Family Planning and Antiretroviral Therapy study, participants were randomized to answer 5 blocks of true/false statements via either direct or list response. Each block contained 3 nonsensitive statements and 1 sensitive statement related to either condom use or HIV disclosure. For each sensitive statement, we calculated the prevalence difference (PD) comparing list response to direct response overall and stratified by socioeconomic status. The PD for 4 of the sensitive statements was negligible. However, we found that self-report of always using a condom was reported by 53.1% at list response visits vs 34.7% at direct response visits (PD, 18.5%; 95% CI, 6.2%-30.7%), a difference that was attenuated among those with higher socioeconomic status. In this setting, list randomization did not meaningfully change the estimated prevalence for most questions, except for one question, which unexpectedly produced a higher estimate for a positive behavior. Examining this method in other settings and populations is warranted.

Humans

Identification of molecular subtypes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on chromatin regulators and tumor immune microenvironment profiling.

In the histological classification of renal cell carcinoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for the highest proportion and is the most common subtype. Despite advances in management, it continues to be associated with considerable incidence and mortality. Although surgery and systemic therapies are available, their efficacy is constrained by pronounced intratumoral heterogeneity and treatment resistance. Identifying robust biomarkers and clarifying the underlying biological mechanisms are therefore essential to improving diagnosis, risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making. In this work, we identified two ccRCC molecular subtypes displaying divergent chromatin regulator (CR) profiles and different clinical prognoses. Using the genes differentially expressed between these subgroups, we constructed a CR-related score (CRS) that effectively stratified patients according to survival. More analysis concluded that the low expression of CR was more linked with the immune-activated tumors, which encompassed the immune pathway enrichment, as well as the elevation of numerous immune cell subtypes. Moreover, elevated CRS was associated with improved immunotherapy responsiveness. Drug-sensitivity analyses nominated several candidate agents, and SMARCD3 knockdown in 786-O cells inhibited proliferation and migration and reduced sensitivity to masitinib. Collectively, these findings support the prognostic and therapeutic relevance of CR-related states in ccRCC and provide a framework for future experimental validation of chromatin-regulated tumor-immune interactions.

Humans

Physiologic age modifies the association between visceral fat predominance and urinary calcium excretion in adults with nephrolithiasis.

Although adiposity is associated with kidney stone disease, the relationship between abdominal fat distribution and urinary calcium excretion remains unclear. We investigated whether the CT-derived visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VSR) was associated with 24-hour urinary calcium excretion and whether physiologic age modified this association. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 308 adults with nephrolithiasis who underwent preoperative CT, stone removal, and postoperative metabolic evaluation. Participants were stratified into prespecified younger (men aged&#x2009;<&#x2009;50 years and premenopausal women) and older (men aged&#x2009;&#x2265;&#x2009;50 years and postmenopausal women) physiologic-age groups. Multivariable linear regression assessed the association between VSR and urinary calcium excretion and its modification by physiologic age. Results showed that VSR was not associated with urinary calcium excretion in the overall cohort, but its association differed significantly by physiologic age (P for interaction&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Among younger participants, each 1-unit higher VSR was associated with 2.07 mmol/day greater urinary calcium excretion (95% CI, 1.23-2.90), whereas no significant association was observed in the older group. These findings suggest that the metabolic relevance of visceral fat predominance differs by physiologic age, with a significant association observed only in younger adults. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine their clinical implications.

Humans